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Jonny Bails Floatin and the Luck of the Bioluminescence
Jonny Bails, Key West’s favorite beer-guzzling, barnacle-scraping street performer, has a night-fishing problem and a penchant for finding bales of marijuana, and trouble. Beneath a drunken, womanizing haze lies the underglow of something more, but Jonny can’t seem to get out of his own way. That is, until he locks eyes with the mesmerizing “girl with the crooked smile.”
Violence ensues as nemesis, The BOMB (the Biggest One-Man Band) goes for the girl, the glory and “the gift.” Jonny’s one true friend, the fatherly Booker, larger-than-life Cuban ex-con “Shorty” and eventually, the narcissistic and volatile “Bomb” form a band and escape Key West to discover a big world of fame, like it or not.
Jonny struggles to find the love of his life, the source and meaning of his new “condition,” and himself. An orgy of music, magic and metamorphosis, “the luck of the bioluminescence” will change you, as it changes Jonny, from empty to animal to superhuman. Raw and romantic, empowering and fun, Glassman’s debut novel thrills and delights between scenes of deeply felt, self-realizing passion.
Violence ensues as nemesis, The BOMB (the Biggest One-Man Band) goes for the girl, the glory and “the gift.” Jonny’s one true friend, the fatherly Booker, larger-than-life Cuban ex-con “Shorty” and eventually, the narcissistic and volatile “Bomb” form a band and escape Key West to discover a big world of fame, like it or not.
Jonny struggles to find the love of his life, the source and meaning of his new “condition,” and himself. An orgy of music, magic and metamorphosis, “the luck of the bioluminescence” will change you, as it changes Jonny, from empty to animal to superhuman. Raw and romantic, empowering and fun, Glassman’s debut novel thrills and delights between scenes of deeply felt, self-realizing passion.
296 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 6, 2013
Please note: The review of this book (which was donated to The Magnolia Blossom Review for the sole purpose of a review) was completed by Laszlo Kugler based on the Rubric designed by the owner of The MBR, L. Avery Brown. If you would like to read the entire review which includes an in depth author interview – please visit The Magnolia Blossom Review’s site online today! Laszlo Kugler has given permission to L. Avery Brown to post this review to Goodreads. Thank you.
And Now for the Review...
Reviewed by Laszlo Kugler
1. Book title - 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Use this space to writer your impression of the book's title. Did it grab your attention right away? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book titles?:
Got my curiosity...strange kind of title. At this point, since I didn't know what I was stepping into, I guess it was a good title as any.
2. Book Cover - 7 of 10 Use this space to writer your impression of the book's cover. Did it grab your attention? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book covers? Did it help the title?:
The cover is ok. But since I design covers, I thought that a more 'attractive ' cover would have suited this story better.
3. First 500… 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Thinking of the first 500 (usually about 2 pages) words of the book, do you think the author provided enough incentive to urge the reader to continue? What stood out to you the most? :
The first few pages were great enough to keep me reading. My attention span is somewhat short and if the beginning is too slow I may not continue unless I need to. But, as I mentioned, I liked the way this began. The mystery of the GLOW, the shock of the severed bloody fingers and setting in the intro. Then the start of the first chapter...again, with the characters and the Key West setting, drew me into the story smoothly
4. Age Recommendation/Genre Classification 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: This one is pretty straight forward - if the book is supposed to be for young teens and 'tweens does it hit the mark? Or is it entirely TOO mature?
Well, it's not erotic per se, but it does contain adult material. So I would say, depending who you speak to or where you live, the story can easily be rated 16-18 and over.
It's a mix of suspense, fantasy, mystery and romance blended well together.
5. Presentation/Format 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the ‘innards’ of the book follow a clear, concise, standard format throughout the book? Or did you have a hard time keeping up with paragraphs or dialogue? Were multiple font, etc?:
No trouble here.
6. Theme/Originality 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was this book something you'd never read? Or was it formulaic and a 'rehash' of a popular tale/current 'pop' genre? If it was a retelling - did the author make it feel fresh?
I'm a fan of fantasy, so I've seen many themes. This one was unique.
7 Description/Enhancement 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the author use descriptive language and 'all those extra little things' to make it the best it could be? Did you feel it was too sparse in description? Did the author go too much into things that were superfluous?
As far as I remember, the description was excellent...I love Florida, so when Mr. Glassman talks about the pubs, ocean, smell in the air...the characters...I'm there seeing, tasting, feeling it all.
No time did I wish he would hurry up.
8. Intrigue 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did you want to turn the next page because it was SO good? (10) Was it interesting but you didn't quite have an urge to keep reading? (5) Did you think 'I wonder if we have Twinkies in the pantry?’ (1):
Yes, I kept my attention all the way through. I was sad when it was over...and yet satisfied.
9. Grammar/Mechanics 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was the book pretty darn flawless? (10) Did you see more that 5 or 10 'jump out' at you mistakes in grammar or the actual mechanics (verb tense, noun/pronoun agreement, misused words, etc?
Well written apart from a tiny bit of spelling errors. (waste instead of waist....twice), but nothing else that distracted me.
10. Overall Impression 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: When all is said in done - did you enjoy the book? Would you recommend it to others? :
I would recommended it for certain to anyone who loves this genre.
Ps... If you have another similar story Mr. Glassman, please e-mail it to me.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT THE BOOK THAT YOU'D LIKE TO MENTION? : The story speak for itself. From the very start to its conclusion it is a tight story. Visually beautiful...would make a nice film.
The Bestowing of the Blossoms...
It seems as though Laz really enjoyed this book! And if you enjoy fantasy stories that are a little on the quirky side - perhaps Jonny Bails Floatin' and the Luck of the Bioluminescence is the perfect book for you because after all the points are totaled J. Lee Glassman's offering to the world of fantasy stories comes in with 95 points out of 100 - and that gives it a very strong 5 Big Beautiful Blossoms. Way to go Lee! We certainly hope there are more tales brewing in that head of yours while you whistle the days you get to find yourself relaxing in the Keys!
And Now for the Review...
Reviewed by Laszlo Kugler
1. Book title - 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Use this space to writer your impression of the book's title. Did it grab your attention right away? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book titles?:
Got my curiosity...strange kind of title. At this point, since I didn't know what I was stepping into, I guess it was a good title as any.
2. Book Cover - 7 of 10 Use this space to writer your impression of the book's cover. Did it grab your attention? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book covers? Did it help the title?:
The cover is ok. But since I design covers, I thought that a more 'attractive ' cover would have suited this story better.
3. First 500… 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Thinking of the first 500 (usually about 2 pages) words of the book, do you think the author provided enough incentive to urge the reader to continue? What stood out to you the most? :
The first few pages were great enough to keep me reading. My attention span is somewhat short and if the beginning is too slow I may not continue unless I need to. But, as I mentioned, I liked the way this began. The mystery of the GLOW, the shock of the severed bloody fingers and setting in the intro. Then the start of the first chapter...again, with the characters and the Key West setting, drew me into the story smoothly
4. Age Recommendation/Genre Classification 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: This one is pretty straight forward - if the book is supposed to be for young teens and 'tweens does it hit the mark? Or is it entirely TOO mature?
Well, it's not erotic per se, but it does contain adult material. So I would say, depending who you speak to or where you live, the story can easily be rated 16-18 and over.
It's a mix of suspense, fantasy, mystery and romance blended well together.
5. Presentation/Format 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the ‘innards’ of the book follow a clear, concise, standard format throughout the book? Or did you have a hard time keeping up with paragraphs or dialogue? Were multiple font, etc?:
No trouble here.
6. Theme/Originality 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was this book something you'd never read? Or was it formulaic and a 'rehash' of a popular tale/current 'pop' genre? If it was a retelling - did the author make it feel fresh?
I'm a fan of fantasy, so I've seen many themes. This one was unique.
7 Description/Enhancement 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the author use descriptive language and 'all those extra little things' to make it the best it could be? Did you feel it was too sparse in description? Did the author go too much into things that were superfluous?
As far as I remember, the description was excellent...I love Florida, so when Mr. Glassman talks about the pubs, ocean, smell in the air...the characters...I'm there seeing, tasting, feeling it all.
No time did I wish he would hurry up.
8. Intrigue 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did you want to turn the next page because it was SO good? (10) Was it interesting but you didn't quite have an urge to keep reading? (5) Did you think 'I wonder if we have Twinkies in the pantry?’ (1):
Yes, I kept my attention all the way through. I was sad when it was over...and yet satisfied.
9. Grammar/Mechanics 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was the book pretty darn flawless? (10) Did you see more that 5 or 10 'jump out' at you mistakes in grammar or the actual mechanics (verb tense, noun/pronoun agreement, misused words, etc?
Well written apart from a tiny bit of spelling errors. (waste instead of waist....twice), but nothing else that distracted me.
10. Overall Impression 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: When all is said in done - did you enjoy the book? Would you recommend it to others? :
I would recommended it for certain to anyone who loves this genre.
Ps... If you have another similar story Mr. Glassman, please e-mail it to me.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT THE BOOK THAT YOU'D LIKE TO MENTION? : The story speak for itself. From the very start to its conclusion it is a tight story. Visually beautiful...would make a nice film.
The Bestowing of the Blossoms...
It seems as though Laz really enjoyed this book! And if you enjoy fantasy stories that are a little on the quirky side - perhaps Jonny Bails Floatin' and the Luck of the Bioluminescence is the perfect book for you because after all the points are totaled J. Lee Glassman's offering to the world of fantasy stories comes in with 95 points out of 100 - and that gives it a very strong 5 Big Beautiful Blossoms. Way to go Lee! We certainly hope there are more tales brewing in that head of yours while you whistle the days you get to find yourself relaxing in the Keys!
March 11, 2014
Glassman’s work is very much in the style of such southern literature classics as “Crazy in Alabama” by Mark Childress. Jonny tells us his story in a raw and inexpert voice. If you’re looking for the polished feel of the classic English authors, this may not be the novel for you. The general feel is one of an extraordinary experience told by a character that has lived on the rough side of life. Jonny is a hard drinking womanizer (at times) who indulges in occasional recreational drug use.
Glassman sets the party scene of southern Florida well. He gives us quirky characters living morally loose lives. Readers of Florida fiction will recognize “Jonny Bails Floatin’” as fitting well in that Key West sub-genre of fiction.
Readers will appreciate the fluid pacing of “Jonny Bails Floatin.” Glassman doesn’t give his audience the technical definition of the sci-fi novel model. Bioluminescence is quite an interesting “gift” to give a character and Glassman plays that scientific angle in a way that is both believable and beneficial to the storyline.
If you’re a fan of relaxed Florida fiction, “Jonny Bails Floatin’” is definitely the novel for you. If you have a beach vacation coming soon it’s the perfect novel to read outside with a cold beverage at hand.
Glassman sets the party scene of southern Florida well. He gives us quirky characters living morally loose lives. Readers of Florida fiction will recognize “Jonny Bails Floatin’” as fitting well in that Key West sub-genre of fiction.
Readers will appreciate the fluid pacing of “Jonny Bails Floatin.” Glassman doesn’t give his audience the technical definition of the sci-fi novel model. Bioluminescence is quite an interesting “gift” to give a character and Glassman plays that scientific angle in a way that is both believable and beneficial to the storyline.
If you’re a fan of relaxed Florida fiction, “Jonny Bails Floatin’” is definitely the novel for you. If you have a beach vacation coming soon it’s the perfect novel to read outside with a cold beverage at hand.
September 11, 2013
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
This book is set in the fun an entertaining Key West. The atmosphere is perfect for the main character, Jonny. He thrives in the "party-goers paradise". As a single man he lives the bachelor's dream: sex, drugs, and rock n' roll. Until a woman walks into his life and everything changes. Leila brings out a side of him that he's never known. His bioluminescence side.
The beginning is extremely slow and I kept asking myself, "Where is what I'm reading leading to," but it eventually gets there. The storyline has a unique mix of friendships, romance, and science. The characters and their personalities come alive, and they mostly stay true to the nature of the story.
The unique bioluminescence aspect is intriguing and keeps you reading.
My Favorite "Secondary" Character: Booker - he is interesting with a lot of character. I love the way he takes care of Jonny and his natural ability to turn any situation into a pleasant one.
My Favorite Part: Jonny and Leila's first fishing trip. It was downright magical.
This book is set in the fun an entertaining Key West. The atmosphere is perfect for the main character, Jonny. He thrives in the "party-goers paradise". As a single man he lives the bachelor's dream: sex, drugs, and rock n' roll. Until a woman walks into his life and everything changes. Leila brings out a side of him that he's never known. His bioluminescence side.
The beginning is extremely slow and I kept asking myself, "Where is what I'm reading leading to," but it eventually gets there. The storyline has a unique mix of friendships, romance, and science. The characters and their personalities come alive, and they mostly stay true to the nature of the story.
The unique bioluminescence aspect is intriguing and keeps you reading.
My Favorite "Secondary" Character: Booker - he is interesting with a lot of character. I love the way he takes care of Jonny and his natural ability to turn any situation into a pleasant one.
My Favorite Part: Jonny and Leila's first fishing trip. It was downright magical.
December 20, 2013
What a great book by J. Lee Glassman! With the novel set in the Florida Keys, Glassman describes the setting perfectly. He puts the reader right into the story, where they can soak in the sun and party along with the characters of this well-written book.
Jonny Bails has a lived an interesting life prior to the start of this book, but with one midnight swim with a newly found love, Jonny's life gets flipped upside down. This book has it all - music, lots of drinking, a little smoking here and there, and of course love.
Will Jonny Bails ever be able to reconnect with a woman that is more than a one-night stand? And what exactly is the luck of the bioluminescence? Dive into this book for a great adventure!
Jonny Bails has a lived an interesting life prior to the start of this book, but with one midnight swim with a newly found love, Jonny's life gets flipped upside down. This book has it all - music, lots of drinking, a little smoking here and there, and of course love.
Will Jonny Bails ever be able to reconnect with a woman that is more than a one-night stand? And what exactly is the luck of the bioluminescence? Dive into this book for a great adventure!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews